Thursday, February 2, 2012

Do it Yourself - Build a Sandbox

A sandbox can offer the novelty of some of the seaside in your backyard and will provide hours of fun for kids. After children have outgrown it, there is the option of covering it with topsoil and use it as a garden box, or turning it into a dirt box that older children will also love.

Step one:
Choose the placement for the sandbox. If you have a huge backyard, pick a shady area under a tree. If you have a small yard choose a spot that has the least amount of sun during the time you know youngsters will be playing the sandbox.

Step two:
Pick the blocks you will use to make the sandbox.

Step three:
Using the measuring tape, measure out the area of the sandbox. Mark what will be the corners using rocks and sticks or more professionally with lay out the shape of the sandbox with some stakes and twine to be used as markers along the edges as a template to dig.

Step four:
Using the shovel start digging the centre of the sandbox and work your way out to the marked edges. Dig to a depth of 5 or so inches.

Step five:
With the same measurements you have taken for the area of the sandbox, cut the landscaping fabric and put it at the bottom of the hole. This will keep insects, weeds and creatures from getting in the sandbox. Secure the fabric to the floor with the earth staples (which can be purchased wherever landscape fabric is sold)

Step six:
Determine how much sand you need. Do this by Using the (depth x width x length in feet). Divide this number by 27 and you'll know how many cubic yards are required. You can always confirm with your sand provider. The sand you will need is known as "Play Sand" or "Sandbox Sand." It is sterilized and sifted, and hence has no big particles that children might swallow or choke on. It also won't get stuck to to children and their clothes.

Step seven:
Set the wall blocks around the border of the sandbox, fixing them to each other with the masonry glue.

Step eight:
Continue to lay the blocks on top of each other to make the walls of the sandbox the height you want it to be, remember that you may require extra sand if you make a higher wall for the sandbox

Step nine
Double check measurements for the sand, order and fill the box. It is now ready to be use.

Tips and Warnings:
1) Place the sandbox in a spot that you can easily see from the house and from all angles of the yard to ensure the safety of children

2) If you are putting the sandbox near to a tree, avoid the tree roots as best you can.

3) Cover the sandbox with an old sheet or tarpaulin when not in use to keep small animals from with it as a litter box and to stop sand from washing away during rain.

4) Chose wall blocks that will fit the style of your yard. Blocks come in a variety of shapes colors and textures. Curved blocks can be used to make sandboxes that are round or kidney shaped, while square blocks make square and rectangular boxes. Choose blocks with smooth surfaces to keep scrapes and scratches from climbing or falling on them.